By Angel Chan
ABU DHABI: UAE citizens, residents and visitors queued up to get the rare opportunity to see live military exercise along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
The spectators were led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He was accompanied by sheikhs, top military commanders and civilian officials during the multi-service military show.
The Hosn Al Ittihad (Union Fortress) is a public live military demonstration involving all branches of the UAE Armed Forces.
The event showcased the courage, dedication and professionalism of the nation’s highly trained soldiers as they engaged in a sophisticated, sea-borne hostage rescue including helicopters, F16s and tactical submarines. The maritime and airborne operations were accompanied by engagements on and around the Abu Dhabi corniche.
The event highlighted the world-class tactical and strategic professionalism of brave men and women in uniform as they confronted a very real potential maritime threat.
The joint exercise encompassed all branches of the UAE Armed Forces, focusing on the highly-trained rapid-response force of the Presidential Guard as the ground force, supported by the Joint Aviation Command, Navy, Air Force, Air Defence and Army. Highlights included: a high-altitude, low-opening (Halo) military freefall jump from an aircraft into the corniche; a submarine inserting highly-trained special forces; a rapid maritime assault; helicopters carrying snipers on over-watch; all supported by F16s offering close-air-support in a dramatic flyby.
A large audience of Emiratis and residents had the opportunity to witness a simulation of a sophisticated and sea-borne hostage rescue that involved helicopters, jet fighters and tactical submarines, said Wam.
In the joint operations, the highly-trained personnel of the Quick Reaction Force of the Presidential Guard, supported by the UAE Joint Aviation Command, the Navy, the Air Force, Air Defence and the Army, showcased their high capabilities.
The UAE’s message to the whole world is one of peace, Sheikh Mohamed underscored, but having power is the best guarantee to preserving peace because weaker countries tempt others to assault them.
That is why the country sees developing and modernising the Armed Forces as a top priority, and will continue to move in this direction as the challenges and risks around the world require the highest levels of vigilance,” he said.
Organised by the UAE Armed Forces, the “Union Fortress” Live Military Demonstration was staged on the Abu Dhabi Corniche for the first time.